"Bikas aur khushali (development and prosperity) will be ensured," Soren said in his five-minute speech in support of party candidate and sitting MLA Akeel Akhtar from Pakur Assembly seat.

The former Chief Minister said the state's natural resources would be judiciously utilized in the interest of the state.

Soren's assurance on mineral and natural resources comes in the backdrop of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 15 asking the tribals in the Santhal Pargana region that Jharkhand has abundance of coal, "yet remains in darkness".

Pakur is among the 16 seats going for the fifth and final phase of polling to be held on December 20. Counting will be taken up on December 23.